Award-winning commercial production company The Gate Films has been acquired in a management buyout.
Serena Fylan, 30, will become managing director after the firm was sold by founders Sarah Jarvis and Simon Lewis to the current management team.
Serena’s first contact with The Gate was through work experience. She then completed an undergraduate degree before returning to the firm as head of production.
Formed in 1996, The Gate produces television commercials, online content and short films for high-profile creative agencies and start-ups and saw a £6million turnover in the last financial year.
“Creating and delivering inspiring and award-winning content has been the core of our business for 20 years and now under my stewardship we aim to do more than ever before,” said Fylan.
“My focus is very much about finding great directors and film makers to be able to offer a great range of talent to the agencies and their brands.
“This is an exciting time for The Gate as our sustained creative growth has allowed us to attract great scripts from many new and established agencies across the UK and Ireland.”
Outgoing CEO Lewis added: “Serena has the right drive, ambition, dedication and talent to continue to push The Gate on its exciting journey.”
The Gate has offices in Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Cape Town and employs 20 full-time staff plus several freelancers.
It will move to new premises in central Manchester and launch a new website.
Fylan added: “With the company under new control it is important to make a statement of intent and we feel that by moving from the groups HQ into our own independent space we can focus solely on pushing our own offering forwards.
“We’re excited about the launch of our new website which will include some exciting new talent.”
Below: An example of The Gate’s work: